Fantasy Football Preview: Three New Acquisitions to Avoid
2016 Fantasy Football Preview: Off-season moves
Once the Super Bowl is won, the NFL moves into its off-season. Teams use the draft, free agency, and trades to try to improve their roster. There are transactions that excite fans and others that anger them. Some players benefit tremendously from changing teams, while others, unfortunately, end up in worse situations. Of course, many decisions made in the off-season have a huge impact on fantasy football.
I’m going to examine some of the moves that were made this off-season with an eye towards fantasy football. Specifically, I’m going to talk about three players that changed teams either through free agency, or in a trade this off-season. I will explain in detail why you should avoid them in your upcoming fantasy football drafts.
Next: Traded to the Titans
DeMarco Murray
DeMarco Murray was essentially acquired for nothing this off-season (The Eagles and Titans swapped 4th round picks in trade involving him). Personally, I was looking forward to Murray having a bounce back year with the Titans. I believe he’s a much better running back than what he showed last year in Philly. Unfortunately, Tennessee decided to use a second round draft pick on Derrick Henry, a vaunted prospect at Murray’s position. Teams aren’t trying to waste picks that early in the draft, they picked Henry for a reason. The Titans have also put out conflicting stories about how the running back position is going to be handled. At the end of May, head coach Mike Mularkey said that the plan was for Murray to be the featured back. However, offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie alluded to the dreaded “hot hand” approach in another article.
In addition, the Titans were not a great run blocking line last year. Football Outsiders had them as the 20th ranked unit last season. Jack Conklin was selected 8th overall in this year’s draft and he should help shore up the line, but don’t expect them to be a top-end unit. It’s also worth mentioning that Murray has had some issues with injuries. Even in his breakout 2014 season, (the only time he’s played all 16 games in his career) he suffered a broken hand, but played through the injury.
Next: Signed by the Jaguars
Chris Ivory
In what I consider to be a puzzling move, the Jaguars signed Chris Ivory to a 5 year deal this off-season. Two seasons ago, Jacksonville handed out a 3 year deal to a similar, albeit less talented player in Toby Gerhart. Gerhart was released during this offseason. Just one year ago the Jags used a 2nd round pick on T.J. Yeldon. Yeldon had a below average season as a rookie, but according to Football Outsider’s running back statistics, he was better than Ivory. Ivory also has some durability concerns in his career. At times, he seemed to wear down by season’s end, and he’s also dealt with injuries, although that was mostly earlier in his career.
Jacksonville was about average in terms of run blocking last year, at least by Football Outsider’s numbers. However, they did bring in two solid acquisitions, tackle Kelvin Beachum, and guard Mackenzy Bernadeau, so they should improve. The real problem here is that the Jaguars’ backfield projects to be a timeshare while both players are healthy. I want no part of that situation.
Next: Signed by the Packers
Jared Cook
Jared Cook was a low risk free agent signing for the Packers. He’s also, relatively speaking, a low risk target in fantasy drafts. He’s currently going as the 17th tight end in ESPN drafts. However, there are several players below him that I’d rather have.
First, consider how many mouths there are to feed in Green Bay. You have Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb of course, but playoff star Jeff Janis may get some looks as well. Davante Adams and Ty Montgomery may also be involved. In addition, the Packers use their backfield fairly often in the passing game, as well as on the ground. All this without even mentioning that Cook might not be the starter at his position, last year’s starter Richard Rodgers still has a case for that role.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers reunite with familiar face in Red Sox deal
- NHL Rumors: Legendary Patrice Bergeron retires, which 3 players could be next to hang up their skates?
- MLB Rumors: Cardinals budging on Arenado, Orioles-Ohtani package, Yankees backup plan
- Patriots backup plan for DeAndre Hopkins is a shot in the dark
- Raiders: Saquon Barkley’s new contract may have screwed over Josh Jacobs
Cook is an athletic freak, but he’s been a disappointment as a receiver his whole career. His career high in catches was two years ago with 52, his career high in yards of 759 occurred during the 2011 season as a member of the Titans. He never previously, nor has he since reached 700 yards. That same season was the only time he posted multiple games of 100 or more yards (twice), and he’s only reached that mark once since. He’s also only reached 5 touchdowns once in his career, and I had as many as him last year, which is to say none.
You might be thinking to yourself “Cook has had average if not below average quarterback play for his whole career and now he gets to play with Aaron Rodgers“. You would be completely right.
Next: Early Fantasy Football Rankings
However, you may want to consider one last thing, Football Outsiders ranked 51 tight ends with at least 25 targets last season, Cook placed 51st in two of their key metrics. That’s last place. In other words: Football Outsiders found Jared Cook to be one of the worst receiving tight ends who had any significant work last year.